Multiplexed Fluorescence Imaging of Tumor Biomarkers in Gene Expression and Protein Levels for Personalized and Predictive Medicine

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Mark Q. Smith, Emory University; Charles Staley, Emory University; David A Kooby, Emory University; Toncred Styblo, Emory University; William C Wood, Emory University; Lily Yang, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2009-11
• Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2009 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://www.eurekaselect.com/70361/article
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Current Molecular Medicine
• ISSN: 1566-5240
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 8
• Start Page: 1017
• End Page: 1023
• Grant/Funding Information: Dr. Yang’s research Laboratory is supported by the Idea Award of the Breast Cancer Research Program of the Department of Defense (BC021952), Emory-Georgia Tech Nanotechnology Center for Personalized and Predictive Oncology of NIH NCI Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (CCNE, U54 CA119338-01), NIH R01-CA95643, and the Nancy Panoz Chair of Surgery in Cancer Research.
• Keywords: quantum dots; personalized medicine; predictive medicine; multiplexed imaging; nanotechnology; molecular beacons; Biomarkers; molecular profiling
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Oncology; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Combining ground breaking research and developments in cancer biomarkers, nanotechnology and molecular targeted medicine, a new realm of therapy is possible: personalized and predictive medicine. Developing a method to detect the overexpression of several tumor marker genes simultaneously, knowing that a single cell generally expresses more than one altered gene, should have a high predictive value for identifying cancer cells amidst the normal cellular background. Theoretically, a cancer’s unique molecular profile can be used to predict its invasive and metastatic potential, its ability to evade immune surveillance, and its potential response to treatment. Fluorescent probes have been developed to detect the levels of expression of various biomarkers in tumor cells and tissues. Expression of biomarker messenger RNAs (mRNAs) or the presence of a specific mutation in an oncogene in cancer cells can be detected using molecular beacons (MBs) that only emit fluorescent signals after binding to its specific target mRNAs. Antibodies or ligands labeled with fluorophores or fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) have been successfully used to identify specific proteins expressed in cells. Furthermore, multiplex imaging using both MBs and antibodies labeled with a fluorescent probe on the same sample may provide important information correlating the level of mRNA expression and the subsequent level of protein production for a given biomarker. This technology will be useful in research investigating cancer biology, molecular imaging and molecular profiling. With the identification of biomarkers that are related to aggressive tumor types, we may be able to predict within certain patient populations who will develop invasive cancers, and what their prognosis will be given different treatment modalities, ultimately delivering medical care and treatment strategies that are specifically tailored to each individual patient, making personalized and predictive medicine a reality.